At the International Building Press (IBP) awards, Crook was highly commended in the architectural journalist category of the year.
She had been competing against journalists from Architects’ Journal and RIBA Journal as well as against Ravenscroft, who was also on the shortlist.
Lizzie Crook was highly commended in the architectural journalist category
The two awards follow Dezeen’s editorial team being named Team of the Year at the prestigious Professional Publishers Association (PPA)’s annual awards in June of this year.
“Dezeen’s editorial team produces highly creative content, displays superb team work in and the face of the most trying of circumstances pulled together to produce record-breaking traffic and revenue growth,” said the judges.
Designed as part of the brand’s Cosmopolitan Collection, the stainless steel framework and colour-blocked infills of the kitchen are a direct interpretation of Mondrian’s work, which often featured bold black horizontal and vertical lines intersecting to form geometrical shapes, colour-blocked with the three primary colours: red, yellow, and blue.
The kitchen draws inspiration from artist Piet Mondrian’s work
The kitchen was designed with the aim of being colourful and allowing customers to play around with the modules to personalise their designs.
According to a report by Danver’s sister company, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, “over two-thirds of surveyed Americans view outdoor kitchens as an opportunity for playful and diverse colour choices, distinct from their indoor counterparts.”
While the aluminium framework of the kitchen is available primarily in a dark “midnight matte” finish, customers can choose from a range of primary colour combinations to personalise the stainless steel drawers and slatted shelves.
The kitchen is designed for outdoor spaces
It was designed to be compatible with Danver‘s products, and is also available in ADA-compliant sizes.
Smaller outdoor spaces such as balconies and porches can also accommodate the kitchen and it can be integrated with additional appliances such as electric grills and cookers.
“As the demand for outdoor living spaces continues to grow, homeowners are actively seeking ways to maximise these,” Danver told Dezeen.
The aluminium framework and stainless steel modules make the kitchen resistant to corrosion and weatherproof.
Various appliances can be integrated into the modules
“Durability is at the core of the kitchen’s design with features that mirror interior cabinets, including soft-close, stainless steel drawers, and powder coated aluminium frames,” said Danver.
“Magnets and gaskets on drawers create a solid closure in all conditions, including high winds from weather or rooftop installations, and a polished powder coat finish supports full-year use for year-round entertaining and enduring value.”
The countertop can include an induction hob
The kitchen was also designed to integrate an Invisacook induction hob, “providing the opportunity to incorporate cooking capabilities for spaces that may not have room for a grill or may not allow gas cooking”.
The pen is mightier than the sword, especially given how it has withstood the test of time, even in our current digital age. But while writing things down by hand has plenty of cited benefits, from psychological to practical, handwritten notes also miss out on a lot of conveniences and potential, especially when it comes time to search through dozens of pages of scribbles. For years, smart notebooks have tried to bridge this gap between analog and digital with some measure of success, but the majority of them stop at turning handwritten notes into digital text you can easily search. This innovative smart notebook, however, upgrades that experience by harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches, turning them into summaries, tasks, appointments, and even translations that will take your productivity to the next level.
AI has been a hot topic for the past years, impressing many while scaring off others. The power that artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks can bring to seemingly ordinary products can really be mind-blowing, especially when you consider the new experiences they enable. ChatGPT, for example, is quite a famous large language model (LLM) application that is being used for things like conversations, searches, and other text-related processing that makes it feel like you’re talking with an actual human person. The XNote smart notebook utilizes this amazing AI to bring together the joy of writing on paper and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive and seamless way.
The magic of the XNote starts, of course, with pen and paper, specifically a beautiful invisibly coded notebook and a revolutionary smart pen. The notebook itself bears a Moleskine-like design, complete with an elastic band to keep it from opening accidentally. The smart pen looks like it’s simply leaving ink marks on paper, but it’s also detecting invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the XNote app via Bluetooth in real-time. You don’t have to take pictures of your notes and you don’t even have to wait for your scribbles to sync with the app. You can see your scribbles and drawings recreated inside the app instantly, almost like magic. With a built-in 265mAh rechargeable battery, you can write for 7 to 8 hours of use without having to worry about a forced break.
While other smart notebooks stop there, XNote transforms your ink marks into text, formulas, or diagrams, all kinds of digital objects that can later be searched or even shared with others online. XNote, however, goes beyond handwriting recognition and uses ChatGPT to create contextual recognition, smartly identifying the kind of text so that you can simply ask XNote when you need to look for a note. Can’t remember where you stored a friend’s suggestion for your next binge reading? Just ask in the XNote app to look for the book recommendation you wrote last week. Need a quick recap of the meeting notes you took earlier? Ask XNote to summarize those for you in easy-to-digest pieces. You can even have those notes translated for easier communication beyond geographical boundaries. And since the notes are digitized, you can easily search across different notebooks and access your data on platforms, ensuring that your analog notes remain accessible long after the paper notebooks go away.
XNote not only cares about your notes but also about your privacy as well. It uses advanced end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and top-tier cloud security protocols to ensure no unauthorized person ever lays eyes on your notes. And while the basic package has the core features you need, XNote offers a $9/month ($59/year launch special) Premium subscription that brings all the power of AI to your fingertips, including Smart Task Alerts and AI-driven Tags and Categories. Even better, now that it has reached its $200,000 funding milestone, every backer who has selected either the 1-Year Subscription or the Combo Bundle will be automatically upgraded to a Free Lifetime AI Membership! With the ChatGPT-powered XNote smart notebook, you can employ that powerful AI to do the heavy lifting of making sense of your notes while you continue to enjoy the benefits of writing with pen and paper.
A brilliant example of how form, function, and art can coexist, Peleg Design’s TriveTiles aren’t just decorative trivets for your table. These Mediterranean-inspired artistic trivets are, in fact, elaborate puzzle pieces. Pull them apart and one single trivet turns into three separate trivets that you can use to keep multiple hot dishes on your table. Cooking a one-pot meal? Put the trivets back together and you’ve got yourself a single gorgeous heat-resistant Moroccan artistic tile that complements your decorative ceramicware beautifully… or adds a pop of vibrant color to your table if you primarily use solid-color IKEA plates and Le Creuset cookware!
The TriveTile’s design can be credited to the various cultures that use similar floral/geometric patterns all across the Mediterranean. They can be seen in France and Italy, and find roots as far east as Turkey, although they’re more commonly known by the term Zellige in Morocco, where they feature heavily in the architecture of the country. The TriveTile uses a 3-color pattern to create a tile that can exist in a singular form but also split into three separate trivets.
The tiles feature three familiar color palettes – an ashy Grey, a bright Navy, and a warm Tan. All the tiles come made from heat-resistant silicone, resisting temperatures up to 260°C / 500°F. That makes them a perfect addition to your decorative table set, allowing you to easily rest hot dishes without scorching your table or tablecloth.
The beauty of the TriveTile lies in its multi-purpose design. Although rather beautiful just on its own, the TriveTile transforms into something even more enchanting when you peel it apart into three separate trivets. The three trivets nest back into each other perfectly once you’re done, helping you easily store your TriveTile in your kitchen drawer without worrying about anything getting lost. Plus, given its silicone construction, it’s perfect for the dishwasher too!
While working in an office space, focusing on the right office supplies is crucial. Adorning your desk with the right items can significantly impact your day. The right products can not only enhance your work routine and productivity but also help maintain a clear and streamlined mindset. We’ve curated an excellent collection of office supplies that perfectly blend form, functionality, minimalism, and simplicity. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a hanging desk organizer, these are the ingenious products that you need on your desk. Let’s explore these innovative and practical tools to transform your work experience.
1. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
2. Rolling World Clock
If you’re someone who works globally and needs to deal with clients in different timezones, then the minimal, one-hand Rolling World Clock is the product you need.
With the Rolling World Clock, you can easily get the timezone you need with a simple one-handed movement. You can turn the clock till the city whose time you need to check turns up, allowing the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically.
What we like
You don’t need a screen to check on multiple timezones
Keeps the time-telling a minimal and simple affair
What we dislike
The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface
3. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus features a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. The unique pencil allows you to focus entirely on your creative process instead of the lead.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. Instead of leaving heavy grooves on the paper, it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
Features a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly
What we dislike
Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does
4. Japanese Drawing Pad
Japanese paper has always been loved and preferred by designers, artists, and stationery lovers for its high quality. And, if you’re someone who wants to try out this paper, then you may want to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that allows you to unveil your thoughts and passions without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers.
What we like
The paper is microperforated allowing for easy and effortless tearing
Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer. Looks can be deceiving
5. All-in-One Screwdriver
The All-in-One Screwdriver stands out for its innovative design and multifunctionality. It is not just a tool for driving screws but also a piece of engineering that brings playfulness into work.
The screwdriver features an innovative ball bearing for smooth operation and a spinner wheel that tackles bigger screwing challenges with ease. When more power is needed, its hexagon bit holder can be used with an electric screwdriver, making it a versatile addition to any office toolkit.
What we like
Smooth swivel action that requires only finger strength
Detachable spinner wheel for increased torque and faster rotation
What we dislike
Some might find the additional features to be overkill for simple screwdriving tasks
6. ASMR Zen Ball
The ASMR Zen Ball is a unique fusion of natural and engineered elements, designed to provide a calming and sensory experience.
Crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, this device doubles as a fidget toy, offering an interactive way to engage with the natural energy of the earth. This lava ball also offers an aromatic experience when used with essential oils, making it a multifaceted tool for relaxation.
What we like
Can be used for sensory stimulation, as a fidget toy, or for aromatherapy
Made from genuine volcanic stone, offering a distinct tactile experience
What we dislike
While it offers sensory benefits, its practical application in an office environment is limited
7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
The ordinary letter cutter provides a makeover in the form of the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter. The standard office tool is reimagined with this product.
The letter cutter not only efficiently slices paper, but it also functions as a chic paperweight which basically means less clutter and more style and elegance for your workspace.
What we like
No messy pieces and straps are created, making cleanup simple
It doubles up as a paperweight
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
8. Quick-Access Organizer
This organizer is an exciting storage solution that ensures your essentials are always accessible, and easily reachable. It marries form and functionality to create a unique 21st-century product.
It is a simple and minimalist product that stands apart in a world where smart gadgets and daily reminders reign supreme. It is the perfect combination of form, functionality, and aesthetics.
What we like
It is a lid and a tray and features dual functionality
The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage
What we dislike
Cannot accommodate a large array of items
9. Hanging Desk Organizer
In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them.
Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.
What we like
It hangs off the edge, utilizing an otherwise frequently wasted space
It features a modular magnetic system which puts the control in your hand
What we dislike
Not sure how much weight it can handle before it becomes unstable
10. The Scissors w/ Base
The Scissors w/Base features a magnetic base that makes the design a pretty cutting-edge one, allowing you to reshape your workspace organization.
The magnet base is a game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’.
What we like
That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
The PlayStation 5 may have gotten a design refresh in the form of a detachable disc drive… but this handheld concept gets a feature we never thought we’d see… handheld disc gaming! The MOI3D is a concept controller from the brains of Vadim Danilkov, who wanted to build a modern variant of the PS One. Debuted in 2000, the redesigned PS One was the highest-selling console that year (even outperforming the more capable PS2 which launched in the same year)… its highlight, a detachable LCD screen that made it a complete gaming solution that you could play with sans a TV. MOI3D builds on that retro vision, with a handheld variant that lets you play all your disc-based PS games going all the way back to the first PlayStation made. Pop the disc in the back and the console fires up, allowing you to relive almost 3 decades of gaming a la PlayStation!
Designer: Vadim Danilkov
The MOI3D was created as a part of Vadim’s broader CAD modeling and plastics rendering course back in the day, and only recently revived as a concept tech device given Sony’s odd PlayStation Portal debut that really confused the entire gaming world. While the Portal looked like a spiritual successor to the PSP, it turned out to be a glorified controller that only worked when wirelessly tethered to an existing PS5. The MOI3D has no such problem, given that it physically runs games on the device thanks to that built-in CD player.
The MOI3D’s aesthetic gets defined by the presence of this CD reader. While most handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck have a rather sensible rectangular shape, the MOI3D looks sort of like if a rectangle ate a circle. The weird form may be a deterrent for some, but I think it’s a classic example of form following function… and what the MOI3D loses in sleek appeal, it makes up for with its gaming chops and incredible backward compatibility.
The level of detailing in this concept is maddening to the point where I feel like it should just be a real product by now. Vadim’s pretty much built out every PCB, button, and plastic component in this device and that in itself is a design feat that’s difficult to achieve.
Keeping in line with current handheld consoles, the MOI3D has all the bells and whistles, including all the action buttons (even the L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons on the shoulders), an HDMI out, and a USB-C port for charging. A centrally located button on the top surface helps open the CD tray, and at least from the looks of it, the one thing missing is a 3.5mm audio jack. To be fair, the MOI3D does have its own front-firing speaker units. That should definitely hold up wonderfully for some of the older games you’ll find yourself playing on the MOI3D, given its ability to support games from the original PS dating back to 1994! Online gaming could never compare itself to this…
An old roadside motel on America’s iconic Route 66 has been renovated by San Francisco-based Adean Studios to reflect the culture and enviromnent of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Dark blue walls and amber lighting set the tone inside the High Country Motor Lodge lobby lounge
The mid-century property is accessed directly off the historic, cross-country Route 66 highway that runs through Flagstaff – the city that provides a base for visitors to the Grand Canyon, the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort and miles of hiking trails through the surrounding wilderness.
Almost 7,000 feet (2,100 metres) above sea level, the city is also home to the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
The hotel was renovated by Adean Studios to reflect the landscape and history of Flagstaff
All of these elements were combined as influences for the hotel’s design, which lands somewhere between a mountain lodge and a retro motel.
“Our goal was to incorporate the rich astronomical history of Flagstaff, while also creating an environment that blends elements of a retro 1960s lounge with modern mountain design,” said Adean Studios principal Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar. “The entire property showcases a darker colour palette accented with rustic woods and 1960s-inspired fixtures and furnishings.”
Guest room interiors are a cross between mountain cabins and retro motel rooms
Painted midnight blue, the hotel buildings form a U shape around a central lawn and a large swimming pool, which was also renovated as part of the project.
The lobby, restaurant and other public areas face the highway, while the majority of guest rooms are located in perpendicular two-storey blocks behind.
Low furniture and cassette players add to the nostalgic atmosphere
On the west side of the site, three new shingle-clad cabins were constructed to house larger suites, bringing the total number of keys to 123.
The dark facade colours continue inside the lobby, lounge and bar areas, where a variety of seating types and configurations allow guests to dine or relax as they choose.
Dark green and blue hues throughout the property nod to the forested surroundings and night sky
Amber-hued glass light fixtures emit a soft, warm glow in these spaces, while velvet curtains and blankets were included.
The bar and lounge opens onto a stepped outdoor terrace, where more dining tables and low chairs are arranged around a series of fire pits.
The property is arranged around a central lawn, which public events are held, and a large renovated swimming pool
A general store off the reception area sells a curated selection of snacks, merchandise and other locally sourced gifts.
In the guest rooms, navy blue wainscoting wraps the lower portion of off-white walls, and dark wood floors and low furniture add to the mid-century aesthetic.
Three shingle-clad cabins that house suites were built as part of the project
Each is equipped with a cassette player and a set of three tapes, which play tracks that evoke nostalgia for the road trip era.
High Country Motor Lodge also boasts a Nordic spa, comprising two private wood-lined saunas that guests can reserve for one-hour sessions.
These cabins are accessed from an enclosed courtyard with an outdoor shower and fire pits, and have direct access to the hot tub for further relaxation, or the swimming pool for a cold plunge.
“Inspired by the local lifestyle of adventure-seekers, day-sleepers, and night-watchers, the great lawn, private cottages, and the Nordic Spa have been designed to enhance the outdoor experience, constantly reminding guests of the beautiful nature that surrounds,” Nafisi-Movaghar said.
The hotel has a Nordic spa that guests can book for private experiences. Photo by Landon Kroeger
The hotel’s branding was created by Charleston-based SDCO Partners, and also plays up the retro and astronomy themes.
“Nestled between the Grand Canyon and Barringer Crater, the High Country Motor Lodge is at once both celestial and earthly, and the brand design honors both,” said creative director and founding partner Amy Pastre.
The sauna cabins are located close to the hot tub. Photo by Landon Kroeger
“An eclectic family of hand-rendered typographic and illustrative graphic elements celebrate the motor lodge’s vintage style, contemporary design, and the love of high desert adventure,”
A range of public programming is organised at the location throughout the year, including theatrical performances, and a folk music festival in the fall.
The private saunas can be reserved for an hour. Photo by Landon Kroeger
Many former motels and motor lodges across the US have been bought up and renovated into boutique accommodations over the past decade.
From Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach and The Drifter in New Orleans, to Scribner’s in New York’s Catskills Mountains and Tourists in the Berkshires, these hotels are often designed with a location-specific twist.
The photography is by Werner Segarra, unless stated otherwise.
One of the most important pieces of furniture in an office is an office chair. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office or a corporate one. Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic, and aesthetic as well. It needs to be back to support our backs and butts through a long day of dealing with tasks and completing important assignments. And, an exceptional office chair that would make a great addition to your office is the Vitra ACX.
Designer: Antonio Citterio and Vitra
Designed as a collaboration between Antonio Citterio and Vitra, the Vitra ACX is the tenth task chair created by the collaborators. The Vitra ACX is an evolution and culmination of the long-lasting partnership, and it is a neat fit for your home office or corporate office. The goal of the chair is to have a “long service life with the smallest possible carbon footprint”.
Vitra is dubbed as ACX’s most sustainable task chair available, and this claim is backed up by the fact that the chair has a 100% recyclable construction. It is built with a limited number of components to ensure that service and maintenance are simple and efficient. Citterio explains, “The use of up to 100% recyclable materials was the single most important factor in the design process.”
The Vitra ACX features a three-dimensional form-fitted knit that covers the backrest pretty minimally, without causing any intrusions of the seam. The fabric has a tactile imprint design which provides supportive softness. The mesh fabric design is quite airy, and an excellent option for those who want a lightweight fabric rather than a heavily padded traditional support. Also, the Vitra ACX doesn’t feature too many controls. Physical controls have been eliminated resulting in reduced weight, and the eradication of any confusion or doubt when it comes to operating the chair. Instead, ACX is equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts itself to the different kinds of users and their body weights. The seat’s height is still manually adjustable though.
Mexico is experiencing a “renaissance” in architecture and design because of its embrace and promotion of artisanal practices, says designer Héctor Esrawe in this exclusive interview.
According to Esrawe, who runs a studio in Mexico City, the last 10 years have seen Mexican creativity being taken more seriously at home and abroad.
“There is this renaissance where all the creative activities have evolved, and the standard that we can create now in Mexico is being expressed and accepted worldwide,” he told Dezeen.
Esrawe pointed to increasing interest in Mexico’s various cultures and artisanal traditions by the architecture and design community as the key element in the success of the country, which just last month held its 15th annual design week.
Mexican designer Hector Esrawe says Mexico is experiencing a “renaissance” due to an embrace of artisanal practices. Photo by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco
“We started to look inward, we started to value and appreciate what we were made up of,” said Esrawe.
“We started to relate to our ancestors, to our narratives, and understand the vastness and richness and skills that we have as a culture, and I think that eventually became contagious.”
Esrawe is one of a handful of architects and designers at the forefront of a new wave of Mexican design. He is known for his sculptural architectural and design work that incorporates artisanally crafted materials such as wood, bronze and stone.
Esrawe Studio’s interior projects include Tori Tori restaurant in Mexico City. Photo by Genevieve Lutkin
An important aspect of Mexico’s design renaissance, according to Esrawe, has been supporting handmade objects and artisanal processes in the country without falling into the trap of mass-producing cultural objects for consumption.
He said that artisans such as stone workers or wood carvers are often “put on a pedestal” but expected to conform to the needs of mass production.
Instead, Esrawe argues that the collaborations between designers and these groups, which have fed into his own practice, should push everyone towards new forms and provide artisans with a platform to get the best results.
“We should create a dialogue in a horizontal way, and create a platform that allows for the artisan to express and create those collaborations – it’s extremely rich and powerful,” he said.
Esrawe’s sculptural architectural work often incorporates wood, bronze and stone, such as at the Albor Hotel. Photo by César Béjar
“I see [collaboration] in a positive way,” he added. “I see more experimentation. I see new languages appearing.”
Collaborating with artisans comes with challenges that must be respected, he acknowledged.
“There’s a risk on the side that has to do with the ambition of more and faster,” he continued, adding that designers need to understand that working with materials like metal and stone in small-batch operations takes time.
Esrawe said he has also struggled with a conception among Mexicans that things produced natively should be cheaper.
Esrawe Studio works from a self-designed office in Mexico City. Photo by Genevieve Lutkin
He recalled that when he opened his gallery in the early 2000s people would ask why the work was so expensive, with greater value typically placed on objects from countries like Italy.
“There was this conception that we were only labourers and not so creative and didn’t have the power to become something that could challenge another culture, which was more ‘stylish’,” he explained.
However, two moments marked turning points for Esrawe’s own perception of the potential of Mexican design and architecture.
The first was the ascendency of chef Enrique Olvera’s restaurant Pujol. For the first time, the best restaurant in Mexico was by a Mexican chef.
Esrawe’s design projects include the Solsticio lighting collection. Photo by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco
“This has been a transformation that started happening in parallel in many activities, in many activities that you can perceive as unrelated like food, but then in others that are more connected, like art, fashion, architecture and design,” he said.
The second was his experience of an exhibition in Finland.
“For me, it was completely new to see in the same gallery an artist, a designer, and an artisan exhibited together,” he said.
“That was not common for me. That was not common in Mexico. So in a way that shaped my understanding of how it should be.”
His other projects include the bronze-finished furniture collection Gear. Photo by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco
Since then, Mexico City has become a hotspot for design and last year, Masa, a collective run by Esrawe and designers Age Saloe and Brian Thoreen, put on a show featuring contemporary and historical Mexican art and design underneath the Rockefeller Center in New York City.
Esrawe said that this wide recognition has been accompanied by an influx of designers into the city, all wanting to explore the potential of production in Mexico.
“It became more attractive,” he said.
“Many other artists from all over the world have moved to Mexico, understanding that those [production] possibilities are disappearing in many cultures,” he continued, referencing again the wide array of artisans and craftspeople in the country.
“You cannot even think of that in the States, for example.”
Esrawe has in recent years further dedicated himself to the principles of smaller production and artisanship.
The Frecuencia steel bench is another example of Esrawe’s furniture designs. Photo by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco
He recently closed his factory, limiting production to focus more on architecture projects and smaller-batch design items.
“I decided to do this because I fully believe in it,” he explained.
“I believe sometimes you need to burn the ships in order to really practice your principles, or your aspirations or what you believe.”
Dezeen In Depth If you enjoy reading Dezeen’s interviews, opinions and features, subscribe to Dezeen In Depth. Sent on the last Friday of each month, this newsletter provides a single place to read about the design and architecture stories behind the headlines.
In the fast-evolving landscape of design and manufacturing, the demand for new ideas and products is accelerating. Autodesk recognizes the increasing pressure on its customers to deliver faster, more sustainable, cost-effective, and higher-quality solutions. In response, Autodesk has prioritized investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for over a decade, acknowledging its transformative potential for design and manufacturing teams.
The central question guiding Autodesk’s AI research and development is clear: How can AI enhance the translation of imagination into reality? The goal is to simplify the product development process, enabling teams to bring their ideas to life more efficiently.
Autodesk is currently developing Autodesk AI, a technology designed to augment creative exploration and problem-solving, automate tedious tasks, and analyze project data for predictive insights. This initiative aims not only to increase productivity but also to provide tools that foster ambition and creativity among users.
The focus of Autodesk AI revolves around three main areas: Analysis, Augmentation, and Automation. Recent updates to Autodesk Fusion, such as generative design, already harness the power of AI, allowing professionals to prompt, generate, and refine a multitude of ideas throughout the design and manufacturing lifecycle.
It’s crucial to emphasize that Autodesk AI puts users in the driver’s seat, functioning as an assistant that works alongside them. Users retain control over the decision-making process, deciding how to combine manual and automatic adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes for their projects.
Key AI-powered features already integrated into Autodesk Fusion include:
Generative Design Introduced over six years ago, this AI-powered design optimization solution generates thousands of manufacturing-ready solutions, enabling quick analysis of design alternatives.
Automated Modeling Facilitating rapid design exploration at the beginning of the design process, automated modeling provides numerous editable design alternatives with minimal input.
Automated Toolpaths The CloudNC CAM Assist Automation Add-in translates 3D models into machining strategies in seconds, automating repetitive CAM programming tasks.
Automated Drawings Expected to launch by the end of the year, this feature will translate 3D models into fully dimensioned drawings with a simple click, significantly reducing time spent on documentation.
Autodesk AI is positioned as an enhancement to creativity and decision-making, offering additional support to existing workflows within Fusion. The user remains in control throughout the process, with Autodesk AI serving as an invaluable tool in the Fusion toolbox.
This represents just the beginning, as Autodesk continues to invest in increasingly powerful forms of AI technology to support continuous innovation, eliminate non-value tasks, and keep users ahead of the competition. Now is the opportune time to explore the transformative potential of AI and witness the positive impact it can have on design and manufacturing processes.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
